Kythira
in Ionian
Information about villages, beaches, sightseeing, restaurants, activities and more...
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About Kythira
While being an Ionian island, Kythira resembles more to the Cyclades islands from its architecture and
landscape.
Kythira is known as the Isle of the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite. The ancient myth is that when Cronus
severed off his father Uranus genitals, he threw them into the sea. They turned into the two rocks rising out of
the sea until today, on the eastern coast of the island. Aphrodite rose from the foam created by the genitals
and re-emerged in Cyprus, which is why both islands haggle over the goddess's birthplace.
Since the Second World War, most of Kythira's inhabitants have left their island for Athens or Australia,
which explains why many of its villages are deserted. Kythira was never a rich island but it use to have an
economic and military power. Tourism, even quite low, has brought today a little prosperity to the island.
Since tourism is still quite undeveloped, Kythira still looks like a calm refuge, with astonishing deserted
beaches and an unharmed traditional life. The island has 3000 permanent residents, divided into 13
communities that form many villages and settlements. It belongs to the administration of the prefecture of
Piraeus.
Best Villages in Kythira
Chora
Location: On the southern side of the island
Description: Chora is the capital village of Kythira. It a small town with whitewashed houses, picturesque alleys,
arches, churches and dominated by a Medieval Castle.
Sightseeing: Antikythira Island, Archaeological Museum, Castle of Chora
Avlemonas
Location: 19 km north east of Chora
Description: Avlemonas is a picturesque fishing village surrounded by bushy vegetation. It has traditional architecture
and clean water to swim.
Sightseeing: Venetian Castle
Best Beaches in Kythira
Agia Pelagia beach
Location: 26 km north of Chora
Description: Agia Pelagia is among the few organized beaches on Kythira. It is surrounded by a beautiful setting and
it gets popular in summer.
Kapsali
Location: 2 km south east of Chora
Description: Kapsali is a popular tourist resort, the closest to Chora. It has a long beach and many tourist facilities.
Chalkos
Location: 8 km south east of Chora
Description: Chalkos is among the most beautiful beaches on the island. Surrounded by wild beauty, Chalkos has
some pebbled and some sandy parts.
Lykodimou
Location: 25 km north west of Chora
Description: Lykodimou is a picturesque cove with a beautiful sandy beach. It is pretty isolate and provides a nice
place to enjoy some privacy.
Best Sightseeing in Kythira
Castle of Chora
Location: Chora
The Venetian Castle of Chora dominates over the village. It was constructed in 1503 on the site of a former
Byzantine fortress of the 12th century. Among the remains of the castle, there are some nice churches.
Cave of Agia Sofia
Location: Mylopotamos
This Cave is located 20 km north west of Chora. It is a stalagmite cave and there is a chapel dedicated to Agia
Sophia inside the chapel. It is said that her dead body was found there.
Credits
Greeka.com would like to thank the following members for their valuable contribution, as some of the photos
included in this guide belong to them.
MSPANAKIS, andy, greeceiseu, joy23, kerryk, marie, milos58, monnalisa, pattiwd, romanorc, serser,
yenny
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